By Kal Gajraj, Ph.D. – Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, CAN Community Health

Dec 10, 2024

For over three decades, CAN Community Health has been a cornerstone in the fight against HIV/AIDS, empowering individuals and transforming communities. With an unwavering commitment to compassionate care, equitable access and innovative solutions, CAN is not just participating in the effort to end the HIV epidemic — it is leading it.

Breaking barriers with comprehensive care

CAN Community Health provides holistic, patient-centered services that address the diverse needs of individuals living with or affected by HIV. By combining cutting-edge medical treatments with supportive services such as mental health counseling, housing assistance and nutritional guidance, CAN ensures that patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their unique circumstances.

“Our goal is to treat the whole person, not just the diagnosis,” says Dr. Steven K. Barnett, AAHIVS, senior vice president and chief medical officer at CAN Community Health. “We strive to create a safe and welcoming space where everyone feels valued and supported.”

Expanding access through innovation

One of CAN’s standout achievements is its ability to meet people where they are, both figuratively and literally. Through mobile clinics, telehealth services and community-based outreach programs, CAN is bridging gaps in care, particularly for underserved populations.

CAN’s mobile health units bring testing, treatment and prevention services directly to communities with limited access to health care. These units are instrumental in reaching at-risk populations, breaking down barriers such as transportation challenges and stigma.

Prioritizing prevention to stop HIV in its tracks

Prevention is a cornerstone of CAN’s mission to end the epidemic. The organization offers free or low-cost HIV testing, access to PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), and educational initiatives that empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health.

By promoting awareness and providing the tools necessary for prevention, CAN is working to reduce new HIV infections nationwide.

Championing equity and inclusivity

CAN Community Health recognizes that the HIV epidemic disproportionately affects certain communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color and those facing economic hardships. The organization is deeply committed to addressing these inequities through culturally competent care, advocacy and partnerships with local organizations.

“Our work is rooted in equity,” says Marlon Pittman, senior vice president and chief operating officer at CAN Community Health. “We believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of their background or circumstances.”

A vision for the future

CAN Community Health is a proud partner of the federal Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. initiative, which aims to reduce new HIV infections by 90% by 2030. Through collaboration with government agencies, health care providers and community organizations, CAN is at the forefront of this national effort.

“Ending the HIV epidemic is not just a dream —I t’s a goal within our reach,” says Rishi Patel, PharmD, MBA, AAHIVP, president and chief executive officer at CAN Community Health. “With advancements in treatment, prevention and education, we have the tools to make it happen. Now, it’s about ensuring everyone has access to these resources.”

Join the movement

As a leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS, CAN Community Health invites individuals, businesses and organizations to join its mission. Whether through volunteering, donating or spreading awareness, every effort helps bring us closer to a world free from HIV.

For more information about CAN Community Health and its programs, call 844-922-2777 or visit www.cancommunityhealth.org. Together, we CAN end the epidemic.

SOURCE: Tampa Bay Business Journal, [link]